ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 56, 31 March 1909, Page 3

ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES.

AN UNEXPLAINED FATALITY. By Telegraph.—Preß3 Association. Christchurch, Last Night. An inquest concerning the death of Andrew Douglas Hardiv, 70 years of age, whose body was found lying outride a cottage at Dudley Creek last Sunday week, was resumed this afternoon by Jlr. H. W, Bishop, District Coroner, and a jury. When the inquest opened last week, medical evidence was given-to the effect that the old man's spine wad dislocated, eight ribs on the right side oi the body broken, and penetrated the lungs, and the injuries such as might have been caused by a blow on the side. They wtsre all ante mortem, and might have been caused by a motor car striking the man's back and side There were no external marks of violence, and if in were struck by a car it was possible there would be no marks, because death followed .so quickly after the Wow. The man would riot have been able to walk from the scene of the accident to the place where the body wan found, a distance of fifteen yards. He was absolutely incapable of stooping, and therefore could not place the kit under his head. The inquest was adjourned for further enquiries to be made jby the police. To-day the driver and occupants of a taxi-cab who passed the locality on the night the man was found, stated they neither sav the man nor felt any shock. An open verdict was re(turned.

BUSHFELLEIi KILLED. Wustport, Last Nigiit. James Fitzpatrick, single, a native or Tasmania, 43 years of age, was killed lit. Cape Foulwind to-day through a tree coming down on him while he was engaged in bushfelling on Bryan and Bowater's sawmill area. He has no relative in the Dominion.

DEATH FROM EXPOSURE. Christchurch, Last Night. A swagger, supposed to be a man named' McLean, aged 60, was found dead today in the vicinity of Swyrfcombe station. near Kaikoura. Death is supposed to have resulted from exposure during the storm last night.

A TAILOR'S SUICIDE. Wellington, Last Night. The body of Simmy Rogers, a tailor, aged 56, was 'round in Wellington harbor to-day. He left his lodging yesterday, and a note was afterwards found making it appear that Rogers intended to commit suicide. Deceased liad been out of work for some time, and it is thought lie had become despondent..